Objectives: The proposed two-centre randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel 12-week targeted couple therapy intervention (CBCT) for women with PVD in comparison to one of the most frequently prescribed first line medical interventions, topical lidocaine, shown to be effective and safe in the management of PVD. The primary research question focuses on whether there is a significant difference between the two treatments on women's pain during intercourse post-treatment. Secondary research questions focus on whether there are significant differences between the two treatments post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up on (a) the multidimensional aspects of women's pain on the McGill Pain Questionnaire and (b) women and partners' sexuality (sexual function and satisfaction, frequency of intercourse), psychological adjustment (anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, pain attributions, quality of life, acceptance of pain, compassionate love for partner, self-compassion, emotion regulation and thoughts and feelings related to pain experience), relationship factors (partner responses, dyadic adjustment, attachment, and communication) and self-reported improvement and treatment satisfaction. We will also examine whether childhood trauma and co-morbid pain conditions moderate treatment response. Finally, a third research question is to evaluate the role of hormonal contraceptive use and the risk of PVD.